Big warm-up on the way for Wednesday

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Since Saturday, we have been seeing our weather get a little warmer each day. An even bigger warm-up is expected for Wednesday, however.

The expected increase in temperatures all has to do with the movement of the jet stream.

The jet stream, an area of strong winds high in the sky, helps to separate cold air from warm air. It has pushed north of New England, allowing milder air to come up from our southwest.

As we go into Wednesday, the milder air arrives here as temperatures in the 50’s push into western Mass, with colder air to our west.

When that cold air to our west begins to arrive on Thursday, temperatures start dropping again, ahead of a return to colder temperatures by Friday.

Check out the 22News Storm Team Forecast

Still, even one day in the 50’s is unusual for winter. Ron Palmer, who moved to Longmeadow from Missouri, says that he enjoys it when it’s cold.

“What do I make of it? It's mild! The winters have been mild the past couple years,” Palmer said.

Even for those who enjoy the above-average temperatures, there is a down side; milder winter days could lead to some icy spots at night.